Mount Harriet National Park

Nestled amidst the tropical paradise of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands lies a hidden gem of natural splendor – Mount Harriet National Park. Now officially renamed Mount Manipur National Park, this enchanting destination is a haven for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and adventure seekers. With its lush evergreen forests, captivating landscapes, and a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, Mount Harriet National Park beckons travelers to explore its untamed beauty.

The renaming of Mount Harriet to Mount Manipur holds a profound historical significance. It pays homage to the brave freedom fighters of Manipur who played a pivotal role in resisting British colonial rule during the tumultuous periods of the 1857 revolution and the events of 1891. Manipur’s relentless spirit and determination in the face of adversity are etched in history, as it remained steadfast in its fight for independence.

Manipur’s remarkable defiance extended to the implementation of its own constitution, demonstrating its commitment to self-governance. The British, in a bid to quell the freedom movement, publicly executed heroes like Yubraj Tikendrajit and General Thangal in Fida, Imphal. However, the spirit of resistance persisted.

Mount Harriet became a symbol of this resilience, as it was where Maharaja Kulachandra Dhwaja Singh and 22 other freedom fighters were held in exile at Kalapani. The renaming of the mountain to Mount Manipur serves as a poignant reminder of the unwavering courage and determination of Manipur’s freedom fighters in their quest for independence.

Note: Visiting Mount Harriet National Park will take atleast half a day’s time.

Where is the Mount Harriet National Park Located?

Mount Harriet National Park is located on the South Andaman Island near Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

How to Reach Mount Harriet National Park?

You will have to reach Bambooflat first in order to go to Mount Harriet. There are two ways to reach Bambooflat: either entirely by road or by taking a short ferry in between.

By Ferry:

You can easily reach the Mount Harriet National park by yourself. First you will have to catch a vehicle ferry to Bambooflat. Just follow the guide below:

• From Port Blair: Begin your journey from Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is best to begin your journey early in the morning
• Drive to Chatham Island: Take a private car or a public bus or an auto rickshaw to Chatham.
  • If you have booked a tour package from a travel agent then he will provide you with a chauffer driven cab.
  • You will find many buses travelling to Chatham in Port Blair. You can get one from the G B Pant Hospital, Dairy Farm etc
  • You can even rent a two wheeler and ride to Chatham and take it ahead to Mount Harriet.

• Short Vehicle-Ferry Connection: At Chatham you will have to catch a vehicle ferry to Bambooflat.
  • The vehicle ferry will cost you INR 10 onwards per person. The vehicles will be charged separately, INR 30 onwards.
  • Alternatively, you can also catch a passenger-only ferry from Pheonix Bay Jetty to Panighat Jetty. But there are limited options to travel to Mount Harriet from Panighat Jetty. So it is better if you go via the Bambooflat Jetty.
• Drive to Mount Harriet: After reaching Bambooflat, you can hire an auto rickshaw or a jeep to Mount Harriet. If you have a personal vehicle then just follow the directions on Google Maps.

By Road:

If, for any reason, you do not want to take the short route via the ferry, then you can take the long route by road. Only take this route if you have plenty of time in hand.

This route goes through Ferrargunj and is three times the usual route via ferry. The locals refer it to as the ‘overline route’ to Bambooflat.

Note: Take care if you are riding yourself to Mount Harriet as the road is steep and can get slippery.

Mount Harriet National Park timings:

The Mount Harriet National Park is open to visitors from 07:00 a.m. to 04:15 p.m.

Mount Harriet National Park entry fee:

The detailed entry fee for Mount Harriet National Park is below.

S. No.	Visitor	Fee
1	Indian Nationals	₹50/-
2	Foreign Nationals	₹50/-
3	Students	–
4	Vehicle	₹20/- onwards
5	Photography & Videography	₹50 – ₹10000 per day

Options to Stay:

There are no options to stay at Mount Harriet National Park. There is a guest house available for on duty government officials

Things to do and places to see:

Emerald View Point:

The serene and tranquil ambiance at this viewpoint makes it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers to capture the stunning beauty of the Andaman Islands.

Kalapather Trek:

The trek is named after the “Kalapathar” or black rocks that you’ll encounter along the way. These unique rock formations add to the trek’s allure.

This trek is infested with leeches, so you must take extra care and wear full-length boots. If it is raining or you have young kids with you, then this trek is a complete no-no. Avoid it.

Gunman cum security camp at Mount Harriet National Park:

This structure, known as the “Gunman Cum Security Camp,” was erected during the British colonial era by convicts from the penal settlement. Constructed using locally sourced stones and Surkhi mortar, this camp stands as a testament to the historical significance of the time.

Such structures serve as reminders of the hardships faced by many during that time and offer insights into the architectural heritage of the region.

Other Places of Interest:

• North Bay near Port Blair.

Facilities available:

Near the Bambooflat Jetty you will find many facilities like:

• Restaurants
• Toilet complex
• Lodging
• Public transport

Note: Apart from tourist sheds, above facilities are not available at the Mount Harriet National Park.

Is the Mount Harriet National Park worth visiting?

Absolutely, without a doubt, a visit to Mount Harriet National Park is an adventure you don’t want to miss! Nestled in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, this place is a real gem.

Whether you’re up for trekking, wildlife spotting, or simply soaking in natural beauty, Mount Harriet National Park is the place to be.

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